Overview
Antirrhinum purpureum is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Antirrhinum, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Antirrhinum purpureum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include bedding, borders and cut flowers.
About
Antirrhinum purpureum, commonly known as purple toad-flax, is a bushy herbaceous perennial or annual biennial belonging to the Plantaginaceae family. This cultivar features simple foliage and tubular flowers with two lips, typical of the Antirrhinum genus, which bloom in spring and summer. It thrives best in full sun on south-facing, sheltered sites with fertile, well-drained loam soil of neutral pH. Suitable for bedding, borders, and cut flowers, it can be propagated by seed or softwood cuttings and is hardy to UK zone H3.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Antirrhinum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Antirrhinum purpureum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial, Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Bedding, borders, cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Antirrhinum purpureum
- Propagation
- Seed, softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Antirrhinum purpureum?
Antirrhinum purpureum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Antirrhinum purpureum need?
Antirrhinum purpureum grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Antirrhinum purpureum hardy in the UK?
Antirrhinum purpureum has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Antirrhinum purpureum?
Seed, softwood cuttings.
More in the Antirrhinum genus
- Antirrhinum majus 'Brazilian Carnival' (mixed)
- Antirrhinum majus 'Freesong Yellow' (Freesong Series)
- Antirrhinum majus 'Innandepin'
- Antirrhinum majus 'Liberty Classic White' (Liberty Classic Series)
- Antirrhinum majus 'Rocket Rose' (Rocket Series)
- Antirrhinum majus 'Solstice Red' (Solstice Series)
- Antirrhinum 'Chimes Rose and White' (Chimes Series)
- Antirrhinum 'Pendula Lampion Salmon/Orange'